Thousands of police, troops called up to quell Baltimore riot

Maryland State Police superintendent Colonel William Pallozzi

Baltimore - Arab Today

The US state of Maryland has called up thousands of police officers and National Guard troops to quell riots that erupted in Baltimore on Monday after a protest against alleged police brutality.

Maryland State Police superintendent Colonel William Pallozzi said he had ordered 500 police from around the state to support city officers and had requested 5,000 more from the broader Mid-Atlantic region.

Meanwhile, National Guard commander Adjutant General Linda Singh said she had 5,000 troopers ready and would deploy them in "massive force" to protect people and property.